Woolly Yarrow
achillea tomentosa
Also known as: ["Woolly Yarrow","Golden Yarrow"]
Overview
A low-growing, mat-forming perennial with finely divided, woolly leaves and bright yellow flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Achillea |
| Botanical Name: | Achillea tomentosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, sunny borders, or containers
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; lightly prune throughout the growing season to maintain form.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Remove only spent flowers and stray stems unless rejuvenating an older plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy with insufficient light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to full sun to prevent scorching. In hot climates, afternoon shade can prevent leaf burn. Indoors, place near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense summer sun; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; amend with grit for drainage; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Hardy to USDA zones 3–8, tolerating cold but sensitive to prolonged heat.
Avoid placing near heat sources; use shade cloth in summer; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; avoid feeding in late summer to prevent tender growth; use compost as a natural alternative.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are best for larger quantities, while division rejuvenates older plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing but not in peak flowering.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid environment with bright indirect light. Protect from direct sun until roots form.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus potting mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates, especially for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Stem cuttings root in 3–6 weeks. Division establishes quickly, often flowering the same year.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic bags or propagator for humidity.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead by cutting spent flowers to the nearest leaf node. Shape by trimming back leggy stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove spent flowers. Light pruning after flowering promotes reblooming.
Tools
Clean bypass pruners or scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Clean tools; deadhead spent blooms; trim leggy growth; remove yellowing leaves; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot).
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead or crowded roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Achillea tomentosa prefers slightly crowded conditions but benefits from fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; inspect roots; trim if necessary; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during active growth, reducing frequency to once a month in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; use raised beds in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth but do not typically harm hardy Achillea tomentosa. Prolonged freezing may damage tender new growth.
Solution: Provide winter mulch to insulate roots. Avoid watering frozen soil. Protect from harsh winter winds.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering. Plants may go dormant in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates. Water deeply during heatwaves. Apply a light layer of mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilization; water after feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as Achillea tomentosa prefers lean soil. Dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if used.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAchillea tomentosa is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines after ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAchillea tomentosa is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAchillea tomentosa is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has not been reported to cause significant adverse effects when ingested in typical amounts.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Achillea tomentosa?
A: Water sparingly, as it is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.
Q: Does Achillea tomentosa attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Can Achillea tomentosa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it thrives in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and it receives full sun.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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